Wavelength multiplexed quantitative differential interference contrast microscopy

ABSTRACT

A differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope system is provided comprising: (a) an illumination source for illuminating a sample ; (b) a lens system for viewing the illuminated sample, including an objective, defining an optical axis; (c) at least one detector system for receiving a sample image; (d) mechanisms for wavelength multiplexing the shear direction or shear magnitude or both on the sample and demultiplexing the resultant DIC images on the detector; and (e) a mechanism for modulating the phase of the interference image. Various approaches are disclosed to accomplish wavelength multiplexing of shear direction and demultiplexing the two DIC images that result. It is possible for the two, wavelength multiplexed DIC images to differ in either or both shear direction or magnitude. These approaches include (1) two DIC microscopes, each operating at a different wavelength, but which share a single objective through a beam splitter; (2) a segmented DIC prism that is made in four sections where opposite sections are paired and have the same shear direction and amount, and each pair of sections have filters transmitting different wavelengths; (3) a segmented DIC prism that is located in or near an aperture stop or pupil of said DIC microscope to obtain data in two shear directions that is multiplexed by wavelength; (4) a dual field-of-view optical system with two DIC prisms, one in each path to wavelength multiplex shear direction or shear magnitude through said objective; (5) demultiplexing wavelength multiplexed DIC images through the use of a wavelength selective beam splitter and two detectors; (6) demultiplexing wavelength multiplexed DIC images through the use of a wavelength controlled source and a single detector; and (7) demultiplexing wavelength multiplexed DIC images through the use of dual field-of-view optics and a single detector. These various approaches permit rapid, robust measurement of slope in two directions. Further, phase shifting and DIC microscopy are limited to measurements within the depth of focus (DOF) of the objective while WLI microscopy is not.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a non-provisional application, and claims priority based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/137,061, filed on Jun. 1, 1999.

[0002] The present application is related to application Ser. No______. filed on even date herewith [D-99025B]. That application is directed to how to increase the effective wavelength of a DIC measurement and thereby increase the slope of a surface that can be measured without ambiguity by combining data taken at two or more wavelengths or two or more shear distances. The present application is also related to application Ser. No.______, also filed on even date herewith [D-99025C]. That application is directed to extending the range of a quantitative DIC microscope to permit the measurement of samples having height variations greater than the depth of focus (DOF) of an objective.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention is directed generally to optical microscopy and in particular addresses the need to obtain efficiently, quantitative slope data from a differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope in two directions.

BACKGROUND ART

[0004] Many manufacturing processes require the measurement of microscopic surface topography. Applications include, but are not limited to, the control of surface finish in machined parts and the inspection of semiconductor wafers. Phase shifting interference, and more recently, white-light interference (WLI) microscopes are widely used to measure surface topography with lateral resolutions from less than one micron to tens of microns and height resolutions to less than a nanometer.

[0005] Phase shifting and WLI microscopes use optical interference between a reference surface and a sample to produce an interference image with fringes of constant height. Typical microscope types are based upon Mirau or Michelson interference objectives. A phase shifting interference microscope modulates the phase of the interference pattern by changing the relative length of the sample and reference arms of the interferometer. The acquisition and processing of a set of phase shifted interference images permits the calculation of the height of the sample at each pixel. The methods of phase shifting are well known.

[0006] WLI microscopes have superceded the use of phase shifting interference microscopes in almost all applications. One difference between a WLI microscope and a phase shifting microscope is the requirement for a short coherence length source in the former and its optional use in the latter. A major hardware difference between the two devices is the substantially larger vertical scan range of a WLI microscope—as much as hundreds of microns rather than less than one micron. The practical difference between the two types of microscopes is that a WLI microscope generates large amounts of data and uses substantially different processing algorithms to obtain a much greater measurement range than phase-shifting microscopes, with only a modest loss in precision. However, both microscopes share a significant problem—extreme sensitivity to environmental effects, especially vibration and air turbulence.

[0007] The environmental sensitivity of phase shifting and WLI interference microscopes is due to the non-common path nature of the test and reference arms of the instrument and the inherent sensitivity of optical interference. A Nomarski or differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope maintains the inherent measurement sensitivity of optical interference while removing the extreme environmental sensitivity because the two interfering light paths are nearly identical or common-path.

[0008] One of the earliest publications describing a DIC microscope is “Application à la métallographie des méthodes interférentielles à deux ondes polarisées”, by G. Nomarski and A. R. Weill, Revue de Matallurgie, LII, #2, 1955, pp. 121-134. However, a DIC microscope is typically considered to be for qualitative use only. The reason for this is somewhat understandable. A WLI microscope produces fringes that are contour lines of constant height, just like a topographic map—except the contour spacing is on the order of 0.3 microns rather than meters or more. A DIC microscope produces fringes that are contours of constant slope in one direction. There are two difficulties with using an interferometer that produces slope fringes. First, slope fringes are difficult to visually interpret and second, slope must be measured in two directions to fully reconstruct a surface.

[0009] When personal computers became widely available, the natural course of action was to automate the processing of what people were used to looking at—fringes of constant height. In modem manufacturing processes, visual inspection of images is avoided not only because it is slower but also because it is less reliable, precise and accurate than automated image processing. Modem computers are quite capable of performing the necessary computations on slope data from a DIC microscope to obtain surface topography data making it possible to take advantage of the environmental insensitivity of a DIC microscope.

[0010] In qualitative DIC microscopy, a rotating polarizer in conjunction with a quarter-wave plate is used to modify the image produced by the microscope so that features of interest are clearly visible. Rotating the polarizer or translating the DIC prism changes the relative phase of the two interfering beams providing the ability to phase shift (phase modulate) the interference image present on the detector. Devices based upon liquid-crystal technology may be used in place of the rotating polarizer and may optionally incorporate the quarter-wave plate as part of the liquid-crystal device. Multiple, phase shifted DIC images can be acquired and then processed using standard techniques from phase shifting interferometry to produce a quantitative measure of sample surface slope, where the slope measured is in the shear direction of the DIC prism. Quantitative DIC measurements were first presented in a paper by Hong et al in July 1993 at the annual SPIE conference; see, Gao Hong et al, “Three-dimensional optical profiler using Nomarski interferometry,” in SPIE, Vol. 1994, pp. 150-153, Advanced Optical Manufacturing and Testing IV, published February 1994, presented July 11-Jul. 16, 1993 in San Diego, Calif. by Robert E. Parks (ISBN 0-8194-1243-0).

[0011] Delbert L. Lessor et al, in “Quantitative surface topography determination by Nomarski reflection microscopy. 1. Theory,”Journal of the Optical Society of America, Vol. 69, No.2, pp. 357-366 (February 1979) presented early theoretical work in 1979. Lessor et al; provide basic theory and propose rotating the sample to obtain slope data in two orthogonal directions; notably, this paper was not referenced by Hong et al.

[0012] A major limitation of a DIC microscope as compared to a WLI microscope is the need, in general, for rapid, robust measurement of slope in two directions. Another broadly applicable constraint is that a phase shifted interference and a DIC microscope are both limited to measurements within the depth of focus (DOF) of the objective, while WLI can go far beyond the DOF.

[0013] The present invention addresses how to obtain, rapidly and robustly, surface slope data in two shear directions through the use of wavelength multiplexing within a microscope. The discovery of how to use wavelength multiplexing to simultaneously obtain shear in two directions leads to several other related extensions of the technology. For example, wavelength multiplexing is accomplished in two somewhat different manners, one of which uses a “dual field of view” (DFOV) optical system.

[0014] There are several other related approaches disclosed herein. One closely related approach is the sequential capture of slope data in two shear directions, resulting in a lower cost system.

[0015] The detailed discussion begins with a disclosure about the use of wavelength multiplexing to obtain slope data in two directions in a DIC microscope.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0016] In accordance with the present invention, a differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope system is provided comprising:

[0017] (a) an illumination source for illuminating a sample

[0018] (b) a lens system for viewing the illuminated sample, including an objective, defining an optical axis;

[0019] (c) at least one detector system for receiving a sample image;

[0020] (d) mechanisms for wavelength multiplexing the shear direction or shear magnitude or both on the sample and demultiplexing the resultant DIC images on the detector; and

[0021] (e) a mechanism for modulating the phase of the interference image;

[0022] Various approaches are disclosed to accomplish wavelength multiplexing of shear direction and demultiplexing the two DIC images that result. It is possible for the two, wavelength multiplexed DIC images to differ in either or both shear direction or magnitude. These approaches include (1) two DIC microscopes, each operating at a different wavelength, but which share a single objective through a beam splitter; (2) a segmented DIC prism that is made in four sections where opposite sections are paired and have the same shear direction and amount, and each pair of sections have filters transmitting different wavelengths; (3) a segmented DIC prism that is located in or near an aperture stop or pupil of said DIC microscope to obtain data in two shear directions that is multiplexed by wavelength; (4) a dual field-of-view optical system with two DIC prisms, one in each path to wavelength multiplex shear direction or shear magnitude through said objective; (5) demultiplexing wavelength multiplexed DIC images through the use of a wavelength selective beam splitter and two detectors; (6) demultiplexing wavelength multiplexed DIC images through the use of a wavelength controlled source and a single detector; and (7) demultiplexing wavelength multiplexed DIC images through the use of dual field-of-view optics and a single detector.

[0023] The various approaches disclosed and claimed herein permit rapid, robust measurement of slope in two directions. A DIC microscope is insensitive to the environment, unlike other interference microscopes; however, slope data in two directions are necessary to determine, via integration, the surface shape, rather than just a height profile of the surface. The various approaches disclosed and claimed herein permit rapid, robust measurement of sample surface slope in two directions.

[0024] Further in accordance with the present invention, the differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope system alternatively comprises:

[0025] (a) the illumination source for illuminating the sample;

[0026] (b) the lens system for viewing the illuminated sample, including the objective, defining the optical axis;

[0027] (c) at least one detector system for receiving the sample image;

[0028] (d) the mechanism for modulating the phase of the DIC image; and

[0029] (e) a virtual reference surface stored in a computer provided with an image capture device, the virtual reference surface being a function of the focal position of the objective.

[0030] As used herein, a DIC prism shears (separates) one unpolarized ray into two orthogonally polarized rays. There is a direction and magnitude to that shear. At the detector, interference is observed occurs between two points on a sample that are separated by a distance and direction determined by the shear distance on the sample determined by the shear direction and magnitude in conjunction with the microscope focal length. A DIC microscope produces an image whose contrast uses interference to show differences in slope of the sample surface rather than height. Acquiring a set of phase modulated images wherein a rotating polarizer performs the phase modulation, and then processing the image data appropriately permits the measurement of sample surface slope in the shear direction with a sensitivity influenced by the shear magnitude. Integration of the slope data produces a height profile (using data in one shear direction) or height map (using data in two shear directions). Thus, the measured quantity is “slope data”, which are measured in the “shear direction”. The shear direction is multiplexed via wavelength on the sample and the resulting DIC images are demultiplexed. Either or both shear direction and magnitude can be multiplexed.

[0031] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which like reference designations represent like features throughout the FIGURES.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

[0033]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a DIC microscope;

[0034]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of two DIC microscopes with a single, shared objective and orthogonal shear directions, with each microscope operating at a different wavelength that is separated by the beam splitter;

[0035]FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of a normal DIC prism;

[0036]FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of a dual shear direction or multiplexed prism;

[0037]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a DIC microscope modified to have a multiplexed prism, a wavelength selective beam splitter to match the prism, and two detectors;

[0038]FIG. 5 depicts a dual field-of-view optics (DFOV) optics module;

[0039]FIG. 6 depicts a dual prism alternative to the multiplexed prism that uses a DFOV optics module;

[0040]FIG. 7 depicts a modification to the dual prism design shown in FIG. 6 so that the DFOV optics and prisms can move with the objective as a unit;

[0041]FIG. 8 depicts a modification to the detector arm that uses two tube lenses placed after a wavelength selective beam splitter;

[0042]FIG. 9 depicts a modification to the DFOV optics and objective to maximize the use of available light;

[0043]FIG. 10 depicts a wavelength multiplexed DIC microscope that uses a single detector and sequential acquisition of the data in two directions; and

[0044]FIG. 11 depicts a wavelength multiplexed DIC microscope that uses a single detector and DFOV optics in conjunction with the detector to acquire simultaneously shear data in two directions.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0045] Reference is now made in detail to a specific embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for practicing the invention. Alternative embodiments are also briefly described as applicable.

[0046] 1. DIC Background.

[0047] The advantage of DIC measurement methods over typical interferometric microscopes is due to common path design of the interferometer and resultant insensitivity to vibration and other environmental effects. However, the data obtained by DIC measurements represents surface slope rather than surface height. Additionally, it is necessary to measure slope in two directions and integrate to permit the unambiguous determination of height a general surface. It is preferable that the slope data are in two orthogonal directions; however, the requirement is that the directions are not parallel.

[0048] Hong et al, in section 3 of their above-referenced paper, describe how to obtain height profiles in one direction (x-shear direction). They then state “The line profiles in y direction can be obtained by the same procedure for the x direction except shearing direction.” The authors do not state directly that the prism can be rotated.

[0049] It is well-known to those practiced in the art of microscope design that there are specific orientations required for the various components of a DIC microscope: prism, analyzer, and quarter-wave plate. A second polarizer is rotated to control the relative phase of the two beams and thereby modifying the image. Once the components, except for the DIC prism (e.g. Wollaston or Nomarski prism), are fixed in location, there are two permitted, orthogonal orientations of the prism; see, e.g., M. V. Klein, Optics, p. 450, John Wiley (1970). Visual instruments are fixed at one of the two allowed orientations. As a note, rotating a prism 180 degrees about the optical axis changes the sign of the slope estimate but not the magnitude; hence there are actually four allowed orientations of the prism.

[0050] It appears that the basic idea of quantitative DIC microscopy is in the public domain because of papers by both Lessor et al and Hong et al. The requirements for slope data in two directions, and the two allowed (orthogonal) positions of the prism are all well-known, as shown by the references. Adding a motor to move between the two positions is obvious; after all, Hong et al motorized a polarizer to rotate it to any desired position.

[0051]FIG. 1 shows a schematic DIC microscope and is described below. The DIC microscope 110 comprises an illumination source 38, a condenser lens 40 providing Kohler illumination, a rotating linear polarizer 42, a quarter-wave plate 44, an amplitude beam splitter 114, a DIC prism 46, a microscope objective 22, an analyzer 48, an optional tube lens 12, and a detector 16. The illumination of the sample 20 is generated in the illumination arm 110 a of the DIC microscope 110. Rotating linear polarizer 42 modulates (shifts) the phase of DIC image on detector 16. The beam splitter 114 couples the illumination onto the sample 20 and the resulting illuminated image is directed to the detector 16 in the detector arm 110 b.

[0052] The illumination source 38 can be a laser, light emitting diode, or incandescent source. While one condenser lens 40 for providing Kohler illumination is shown, more than one lens may be used to permit adjustment of the system aperture, projection of a field stop or for other reasons. The quarter-wave plate 44 has its fast axis at 45 degrees to the shear direction of the DIC prism 46. The DIC prism 46 may comprise a Nomarski, Wollaston or other suitable prism. A DIC prism uses birefringent materials to split each input ray into two, orthogonally polarized output rays that are separated by the shear angle of the prism. The plane of splitting of the rays is at the back focal plane (BFP) of the objective 22. The microscope objective 22 is typically an infinite conjugate objective, but this is not necessarily the case. The analyzer 48 comprises a fixed polarizer at 45 degrees to the shear direction of the prism 46 to take approximately equal amounts of light from two output polarizations produced by the DIC prism. The optional tube lens 12 is used for focusing if an infinite conjugate objective 22 is used. The detector 16 is typically a CCD camera. A sample 20 is in the usual location relative to the objective lens 22.

[0053] 2. Wavelength Multiplexing.

[0054] It is desirable to obtain slope data in two directions from a single sample 20 without moving the sample. It is assumed that a single microscope objective 22 is used to obtain slope data in two directions, since there is not, in general, enough space to use two objectives.

[0055] One method of obtaining slope data in two directions is to acquire a data set for one shear direction and calculate slope. Then rotate the prism and repeat the slope measurement for the second shear direction. There are problems with rotating prism 46:

[0056] 1. The prism is close to the objective and thus inconvenient to rotate in a compact device.

[0057] 2. A motion control axis is somewhat expensive.

[0058] 3. The quality of measurement is dependent upon a repeatable prism orientation.

[0059] 4. It takes time to rotate the prism.

[0060] 5. The moving parts generate particulates that are undesirable for many metrology applications.

[0061] 6. Depending upon the prism design, rotating the prism to obtain the two different shear directions shifts the image position on the detector. Additional software, calibration and processing time are required to register the data between the two shear directions.

[0062] The operating principles of a DIC microscope 110 limit the approaches that can be used to obtain slope data in two directions without moving the sample 20. A DIC prism uses birefringent optical materials to produce two beams, which are orthogonally polarized and separated by the shear angle. Polarization optics (e.g. polarizer and quarter-wave plate) control the relative phase between the two beams. A polarization state can be completely described by two complex numbers that are the amount of two basis polarizations (vectors). The two basis vectors that are usually used to represent any particular polarization state are horizontal and vertical, linearly polarized light. The two output beams of a DIC prism are orthogonal, linearly polarized light. Hence, there are no additional polarization states that can be used to select a second shear direction. Therefore, data with a second shear direction requires a change either in the sample orientation or shear direction of the microscope.

[0063] The following text describes ways that multiplex shear direction by wavelength to obtain slope data in two directions that do not rotate the prism or samples.

[0064] 3. Duplicate Microscopes.

[0065] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a wavelength selective beam splitter 214 is inserted between the prism 46 and objective 22 (see FIG. 2). The result is two microscopes 110′, 110″ with a single, shared objective 22. The microscopes 110′, 110″ are typically arranged such that the shear obtained by each is orthogonal. Microscope 110′ comprises illumination arm 110 ax and detection arm 110 bx, along with beam splitter 114 x and prism 46 x, while microscope 110″ comprises illumination arm 110 ay and detection arm 110 by, along with beam splitter 114 y and prism 46 y. The two wavelengths or wavelength bands can be close to each other but are not overlapping.

[0066] A processing means, or mechanism, 47 comprises a computer including an image capture device (e.g., frame grabber), phase modulation control device (e.g., motor and controller), and software to control the phase modulation device, and acquire and process the DIC image data. The image capture device is connected to the detector 16 in the detection arm 110 b and the phase modulation control device is connected to the rotating linear polarizer 42 in the illumination arm 110 a or other phase modulation device (e.g., liquid crystal device). Additionally, the processing mechanism 47 may include an interface to control or to select the wavelength of the source 38 in the illumination arm 110 a. A virtual reference surface may be stored and utilized in the processing mechanism 47 as well.

[0067] The key idea is to use the wavelength of the light to enable multiplexing of the shear direction through the objective 22. Microscope 110′ measures slope in the x direction at a wavelength λ_(a), while microscope 110″ measures slope in the y direction at a wavelength λ_(b).

[0068] 4. Multiplex the DIC Prism.

[0069] A modification to the above approach is to replace the prism 46 in FIG. 1 (see FIG. 3a, which depicts a single prism and no quadrants) with a prism 146 made in four quadrants, as shown in FIG. 3b. Opposing quadrants have the same shear direction and adjacent quadrants have orthogonal shear directions. Additionally, a wavelength-selecting filter 124 is placed over the quadrants so that each shear direction uses a different wavelength of light. Finally, a wavelength selective beam splitter 214 is added after the tube lens 12 and two detectors 16 a, 16 b are used as in FIG. 4.

[0070] It is possible to use either band-pass or band-stop filters on the prism 146. Band-pass filters are compatible with a source that has the two wavelength bands of interest and may or may not have anything else in the spectrum. Band-stop filters are compatible with a source having only the two wavelength bands of interest and no others during the DIC data acquisition. Other wavelengths may be present at other times.

[0071] The use of a single “multiplexed” prism 146 is helpful in that the overall optical system 210 becomes simpler, as shown in FIG. 4. No movement is required on the prism 146 and data can be acquired in both directions simultaneously. The maximum aperture diameter of the microscope objective is unchanged, though only about half of the aperture area is available for each wavelength considered individually so that the resolution of the microscope will be minimally affected. The reduced light throughput of the system 210 may be limiting in some applications such as with weakly reflecting objects.

[0072] Potential drawbacks of this approach are:

[0073] 1. Difficulty in making the four-piece prism 146.

[0074] 2. Stray light from the prism edges.

[0075] 3. Reduction in aperture size (down by slightly more than half for each wavelength).

[0076] 4. Reduced resolution of the system due to reduced aperture area.

[0077] This approach is simpler than duplicating two entire microscopes 110′, 110″, as originally contemplated in Method 1 (FIG. 2). Also, the need to place a beam splitter 214 between the objective 22 and prism 46 is removed, and this is harder as the magnification is increased.

[0078] 5. DFOV Optics Used with Two DIC Prisms.

[0079]FIG. 5 shows the dual field-of-view (DFOV) optics 310 a comprised of two mirrors 28 a, 28 b and two beam splitters 114 a, 114 b and arranged to produce two, overlapping copies 126 a, 126 b of the input beams 126. For the applications considered herein, at least one of the beam splitters 114 a, 114 b is wavelength selective or else a wavelength selective filter is in both paths.

[0080]FIG. 6 shows the DFOV optics 310 a used with dual DIC prisms 46 x, 46 y. The microscope system 310 comprises the light source and polarization modulation devices 110 a described above (illumination source 38, lenses 40, field stop, rotating polarizer 42, and quarter-wave plate 44), amplitude beam splitter 114, two mirrors 28 a, 28 b, two prisms 46 x, 46 y, a first wavelength selective beam splitter 214 a, objective 22, an analyzer 48, an optional tube lens 12, a second wavelength beam splitter 214 b, and two detectors 16 x, 16 y. The illumination of the sample 20 is generated in the illumination arm 110 a of the microscope 310.

[0081] Prism 46 x is for generating x shear and prism 46 y is for generating y shear. The shear directions of the two prisms 46 x, 46 y are typically orthogonal, but they could also be in the same direction and vary in amount or sign of shear. As above, the analyzer 48 is typically fixed at 45 degrees to the shear direction of the prisms. The second wavelength selective beam splitter 214 b works in conjunction with the first wavelength selective beam splitter 214 a to select shear direction. Two detectors are provided, with detector 16 x for detecting shear in the x direction and detector 16 y for detecting shear in the y direction.

[0082] There are many alternatives to using a wavelength selective beam splitter 214 a. For example an amplitude splitter 114 can replace 214 a and a thin film, narrow band filter can be coated onto the DIC prisms 46 x, 46 y. However, the use of a second amplitude splitter will reduce the light throughput of the system.

[0083] A problem with placing beam splitter 214 a between the prism 46 and objective 22 is the limited amount of space. However, it is possible to design prisms with the apparent plane of splitting of the polarized output rays to be in front or behind the prism by a significant distance. Consider the Nikon CF objective lenses for DIC applications. There are four DIC prisms in the Nikon catalog, each of which is appropriate for use with one or more objectives. The distance from prism to objective is fixed by the turret design; however, the range of focal lengths is from 2 to 40 mm, suggesting a large range of back focal plane positions and correspondingly large range of distances between the prisms and their apparent plane of splitting.

[0084] A limitation of the design exemplified in FIG. 6 is that it is not practical to move, as a unit, the prisms 46 x, 46 y and the objective 22 for focusing because of the misalignment that will occur. Moving the objective alone will change the distance between the prisms 46 x, 46 y, limiting either the accuracy of the measurement or the allowable range of focus motion. One means of increasing the useful focus travel range is to compensate the measurements by a virtual reference surface stored in software that is a function of focal position (variable distance between the prism 46 and objectives 22) rather than a fixed array of single values. The virtual reference surface is described in more detail later. The second solution is shown in FIG. 7, where the design has been modified by the addition of amplitude beam splitter 314 so that the entire DFOV optics 310 a and objective 22 can be moved as a unit to permit focusing or long range scanning while keeping objective 22 to prisms 46 x, 46 y spacing constant.

[0085]FIG. 8 shows alternate detector arm layout. Rather than place a single tube lens 12 before wavelength selective beam splitter 214 b, two tube lenses 12 x, 12 y are placed after the beam splitter 214 b, one in each arm x, y, respectively. Similarly, the polarizer 48 can be placed before or after the beam splitters 214 to optimized performance for particular applications.

[0086]FIG. 9 shows an alternate layout of the DFOV optics that is moveable as a unit 50. This version adds mirror 28 c and replaces an amplitude splitter 114 with a wavelength selective beam splitter 214. The benefit of this design is that three wavelength selective beam splitters are used such that all may have the same optical properties. Using a wavelength selective beam splitter in all locations except at the intersection of the source and detector arms, permits not only the wavelength multiplexing of shear direction but also the maximum use of the available light.

[0087] 6. Prism Slider.

[0088] A slider (not shown) can be used to hold one or more DIC prisms, filters, clear apertures or combinations to obtain varying amounts and directions of shear or other functions. This can be done instead of or in conjunction with the DFOV optics. An objective turret (not shown) can also be used to select different objectives for different magnifications.

[0089] 7. Wavelength Multiplexed DIC with Sequential Data Acquisition.

[0090] A fundamental benefit of a wavelength multiplexed DIC microscope is the acquisition of slope data in two shear directions without moving prism 46. Hence, the alignment of the system is fixed during manufacture. Additionally there is no need for a motion system to rotate or exchange the prism to change shear direction. However, the reduced data acquisition time and fixed alignment due to simultaneous data acquisition is not necessary in all situations; for example when sample positioning time is large relative to data acquisition time or cost must be minimized.

[0091]FIG. 10 is a modified version of FIG. 7, in which beam splitter 214 b and detector 16 x have been removed. The result is a system that has a single camera 16 viewing the field and has dual prisms 46 x, 46 y in 310 a that are wavelength multiplexed. The system cannot acquire slope data in two shear directions simultaneously; however, switching the source 38 in 110 a between two wavelengths allows for sequential acquisition of slope data in two shear directions.

[0092] There are many ways to select the source wavelength. For example, electronically switching between two different sets of LEDS (light emitting diodes) can be done without any moving parts. Another option is to change filters in front of a broad band source with a robust, simple mechanism that does not require precise alignment. In either case, the overall design is simple and robust with few moving parts.

[0093] An alternative to the fixed, dual prism setup is to select among prisms or a clear aperture on a slider or turret.

[0094] 8. Simultaneous Acquisition of Slope Data in Two Directions Using DFOV Optics.

[0095] The DFOV optics have been used in conjunction with two DIC prisms and the microscope objective as part of the means of wavelength multiplexing the shear direction on the sample. It is possible to also use a modified version of the DFOV optics with the detector so that simultaneous acquisition of slope data in two directions is accomplished using a single detector. Referring to FIG. 11, the DFOV optics in conjunction with the objective of any of the prior forms is possible as well as the multiplexed prism. A second set of DFOV optics comprised of two mirrors 28 and two wavelength selective beam splitters 214 and a tube lens 12. It is possible to place the tube lens in front of the DFOV optics as well. A requirement is that at least one mirror 28 is rotated so that the images from the two different shear directions are on different portions of the detector. Furthermore, a field stop 64 and a field stop projection lens 66 that projects the field stop and images the aperture stop onto a pupil of the objective 22 in the illumination arm are required so that the two images produced on the detector 16 do not overlap.

[0096] The benefit of this design is that only a single detector is used to simultaneously acquire slope data in two directions, thereby reducing size and cost of the instrument. However, the effective area of the sample that is captured is reduced by one-half.

[0097] 9. Virtual Reference Surface.

[0098] The DIC microscope system generates an imperfect measure of the surface. The errors can be represented as a surface by a table or polynomial representation. The use of a system error map—virtual reference surface—in units of height that is subtracted from the measured data is well known. The virtual reference surface can be stored as slope or height data. The virtual reference surface is stored in a computer provided with an image capture device. The virtual reference surface is a function of the focal position of the objective.

[0099] It may be preferable in some specific quantitative DIC instrument implementations to permit a focus motion of the objective that changes the distance between the DIC prism and the objective. A benefit of moving only the objective is reduced mass and potentially reduced focussing time. However, the distance between the DIC prism and the microscope objective strongly influences the shape of the virtual reference. Hence the need in some cases to use a virtual reference that is a function of focus position. In this case, the mechanisms for wavelength multiplexing the shear direction or shear magnitude on the sample and demultiplexing the resultant DIC images on the detector are not necessary.

[0100] There are various means of representing the virtual reference data (surface or slope). For example, a table of two or more virtual references for specific focus positions can be stored and the necessary correction interpolated for focus positions between stored locations. It is also possible to extrapolate a small distance beyond the particular focus positions. The number and position of virtual reference tables is selected to satisfy a maximum error limit on the actual surface measurement.

[0101] Another possible representation of the virtual reference data is to generate a polynomial for each sample location that is a function of focus position. The preferred method is to use a small polynomial set that is a function of image coordinate to represent the virtual reference surface error for each particular focus position and slope direction. An additional table to represent high frequency error corrections could be stored when needed by some applications.

[0102] Thus, the following embodiments are possible. In one embodiment, the virtual reference:

[0103] (a) is represented as a table that is a function of pixel coordinate,

[0104] (b) two or more said tables are stored for two or more different focal positions for each shear direction and applied to slope data or a single table is stored and applied to surface data after integration of slope data to a surface, and

[0105] (c) the correction is interpolated for a current focal position.

[0106] In another embodiment, the virtual reference:

[0107] (a) is represented as a polynomial that is a function of pixel coordinate,

[0108] (b) coefficients of the polynomials are stored for two or more different focal positions for each shear direction and applied to the slope data or a single table is stored and applied to surface data after integration of slope data to a surface, and

[0109] (c) the correction is interpolated for the current focal position.

[0110] In yet another embodiment, the virtual reference:

[0111] (a) is represented as a combination of a polynomial and a table that is a function of pixel coordinate,

[0112] (b) coefficients of the polynomials and tables are stored for two or more different focal positions for each shear direction and applied to the slope data or a single table is stored and applied to the surface data after integration of slope data to a surface, and

[0113] (c) the correction is interpolated for the current focal position.

[0114] In still a further embodiment, the virtual reference:

[0115] (a) is represented as a polynomial for each pixel coordinate and is a function of focal position, and

[0116] (b) coefficients of the polynomials are stored for each pixel for each shear direction and applied to the slope data or a single table is stored and applied to the surface data after integration of slope data to a surface.

[0117] Thus, there have been disclosed improved DIC microscope systems. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications of an obvious nature may be made, and all such changes and modifications are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

References

[0118] The following references are considered to be relevant to the present disclosure; many of these references are discussed above at appropriate locations:

[0119] Gao Hong et al, supra (this paper presents the math and data for quantitative differential interference contrast microscopy);

[0120] Delbert L. Lessor et al, supra;

[0121] Handbook of Optics, 2^(nd) ed., McGraw-Hill, Chapter 17 (1995);

[0122] “Microscopes”, Bryngdahl, U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,207 (discloses a polarization interferometer and the use of a rotating polarizer to control phase shift between the interfering beams);

[0123] Miles V. Klein, supra (a brief discussion on interference contrast microscopy; the schematic diagram and discussion describe polarization at 45 degrees to the shear direction but do not describe which way (clockwise or counterclockwise), since they are equivalent. Similarly, polarization angle (the final analyzer) can be fixed and shear at 45 degrees to the analyzer in either of two directions.);

[0124] Katherine Creath, Chapter 17 in Optical Shop Testing, 2^(nd) edition, Wiley, p 698 (1992) (Creath notes that Nomarski microscopes were used back in 1955 for qualitative surface topography; all other differential interference profilers described by her are mechanically scanned); and

[0125] M. V. Mantravadi, Chapter 4, Lateral Shearing Interferometers in Optical Shop Testing, 2^(nd) edition, edited by Daniel Malacara, p 123-172 (1992) (an extensive discussion of surface reconstruction using shearing interferometers is provided. The need for slope data in two directions, usually perpendicular, is discussed. A text on introductory calculus explains how to derive two orthogonal slopes (vectors) from two non-parallel slopes (vectors)). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope system comprising: (a) an illumination source for illuminating a sample; (b) a lens system for viewing the illuminated sample, including an objective, defining an optical axis; (c) at least one detector system for receiving a sample image; (d) mechanisms for wavelength multiplexing the shear direction or shear magnitude or both on the sample and demultiplexing the resultant DIC images on the detector; and (e) a mechanism for modulating the phase of the DIC image.
 2. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 further including a mechanism for processing the received sample image.
 3. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 comprising two DIC microscopes, each operating at a different wavelength, but which share a single objective through a beam splitter.
 4. The DIC microscope system of claim 3 wherein the beam splitter is based on amplitude splitting.
 5. The DIC microscope system of claim 3 wherein the beam splitter is wavelength selective.
 6. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 wherein the wavelength multiplexing mechanism comprises a segmented DIC prism that is made in four sections where opposite sections are paired and have the same shear direction and amount, and each pair of sections have filters transmitting different wavelengths.
 7. The DIC microscope system of claim 6 wherein the sections are nominally of equal area.
 8. The DIC microscope system of claim 6 wherein the wavelength filters are narrow-band thin-film filters.
 9. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 wherein the wavelength multiplexing mechanism comprises a segmented DIC prism that is located in or near an aperture stop or pupil of the DIC microscope to obtain data in two shear directions that is multiplexed by wavelength.
 10. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 further comprising a dual field-of-view optical system with two DIC prisms, one in each path to wavelength multiplex shear direction or shear magnitude or both through the objective.
 11. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for demultiplexing wavelength multiplexed DIC images through the use of a wavelength selective beam splitter and two detectors.
 12. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for demultiplexing wavelength multiplexed DIC images through the use of a wavelength controlled source and a single detector.
 13. The DIC microscope system of claim 12 wherein the wavelength controlled source uses a filter wheel.
 14. The DIC microscope system of claim 12 wherein the wavelength controlled source uses at least two sets of different color light emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be turned on separately.
 15. The DIC microscope system of claim 12 wherein the wavelength controlled source is accomplished by selecting a different colored laser.
 16. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for simultaneous acquisition of slope data in two directions or in two magnitudes or both through wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing of shear direction and two detectors.
 17. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for sequential acquisition of slope data in two directions or in two magnitudes or both through the use of a wavelength controlled source and a single detector.
 18. The DIC microscope system of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for simultaneous acquisition of slope data in two directions or in two magnitudes or both through the use of a dual field-of-view (DFOV) optical system to create two displaced images of the field-of-view on a single detector, with a projected field stop.
 19. A differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope system comprising: (a) an illumination source for illuminating a sample; (b) a lens system for viewing the illuminated sample, including an objective, defining an optical axis; (c) at least one detector system for receiving a sample image; (d) a mechanism for modulating the phase of the DIC image; and (e) a virtual reference surface stored in a computer provided with an image capture device, the virtual reference surface being a function of the focal position of the objective.
 20. The DIC microscope system of claim 19 further including (f) a mechanism for processing the received sample image.
 21. The DIC microscope system of claim 19 wherein the virtual reference: (a) is represented as a table that is a function of pixel coordinate, (b) two or more said tables are stored for two or more different focal positions for each shear direction and applied to slope data or a single table is stored and applied to surface data after integration of slope data to a surface, and (c) the correction is interpolated for a current focal position.
 22. The DIC microscope system of claim 19 wherein the virtual reference: (a) is represented as a polynomial that is a function of pixel coordinate, (b) coefficients of the polynomials are stored for two or more different focal positions for each shear direction and applied to the slope data or a single table is stored and applied to the surface data after integration of slope data to a surface, and (c) the correction is interpolated for the current focal position.
 23. The DIC microscope system of claim 19 wherein the virtual reference: (a) is represented as a combination of a polynomial and a table that is a function of pixel coordinate, (b) coefficients of the polynomials and tables are stored for two or more different focal positions for each shear direction and applied to the slope data or a single table is stored and applied to the surface data after integration of slope data to a surface, and (c) the correction is interpolated for the current focal position.
 24. The DIC microscope system of claim 19 wherein the virtual reference: (a) is represented as a polynomial for each pixel coordinate and is a function of focal position, and (b) coefficients of the polynomials are stored for each pixel for each shear direction and applied to the slope data or a single table is stored and applied to the data after integration to a surface.
 25. The DIC microscope system of claim 19 further including a liquid crystal device (LCD) as a phase modulation device.
 26. The DIC microscope system of claim 19 further including addition of a beam splitter so that the objective and a DIC prism assembly, comprised of a multiplexed DIC prism or DFOV optics with two prisms, can move as a rigid unit to permit focusing on a sample so that the relative positions of the DIC prism or prisms and objective are fixed.
 27. The DIC microscope system of claim 26 further including addition of a mirror and wavelength selective beam splitter to permit the prisms and objectives to be fixed relative to each other and maximize light throughput. 